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NBA: Predicting The 2016-17 Eastern Conference Playoff Field

By Michael Saenz

Feb 1, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) guards Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers won 111-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) guards Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Cavaliers won 111-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball as forward Chris Bosh (1) sets a pick on Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) in the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball as forward Chris Bosh (1) sets a pick on Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) in the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

The Wildcards

These are two teams that we just don’t know about yet. They are two teams that easily have the talent to make it back to the postseason, but because we don’t know how they will look like this season (for differing reasons) it would be unfair to throw playoff expectations on them.

Miami Heat – Depending on what happens with Goran Dragic (if they trade him or not) and Chris Bosh (if he gets healthy or retires), this team has the talent to potentially push for a playoff spot. However, because we don’t know what this team is going to look like in week 1 of the regular season, there’s no way to definitely put this team in the top 8.

Milwaukee Bucks – This team has all the talent in the world. After making a surprise visit to the playoffs two years ago, I don’t think it would surprise anyone to see them make the leap back into the top 8 of the Eastern Conference. However, at the same time, I don’t think they should be under those same type of expectations either. That wasn’t fair. Also, there’s probably a good chance that Greg Monroe isn’t on this team at the start of the season.

Next: Outside Looking In

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